Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Biomechanics

Background : With rehabilitation of muscles, taping has been known to modulate some physiological processes. Outcome: The current study was conducted to investigate the changes that may occur in the electromyography (EMG), concentric peak torque, and concentric strength ratio of ankle evertors and invertors as a result of applying three different taping modes. These taping modes were; no tape (NT), athletic tape (AT), and kinesiotape (KT). Methods: The study was conducted on 30 volunteers of both sexes suffering from chronic ankle sprain. All patients were tested with the different taping modes in a random order at 120{u00BA}/sec. Ankle evertor and invertor EMG were assessed using Noraxon device. Isokinetic peak torque and strength ratio assessments were done for the same tested muscles using the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Electromyographic and isokinetic measures were recorded when patients were instructed to perform five repetitions of ankle inversion and eversion through the selected ROM and angular velocity. Results: Results showed that KT always recorded the highest level of peak torque and strength ratio of ankle evertors and invertors (p<0.05) when compared with AT & NT. On the other hand, KT caused reduction of EMG of the same muscles (p<0.05). Additionally, it was noted that the difference between AT & NT was not statistically significant (p>0.05) for all measured variables. Conclusion: Kinesiotape has an impact on isokinetic and EMG measures of patients with chronic ankle sprain. So, physical therapists and athletic trainers may apply KT to a patient during or after treatment and rehabilitation to support ankle musculature

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